These pages will be dedicated to those who served
along side of us at Takhli, but who are no longer with us. Whether they
were lost in combat, or to subsequent causes, they were our brethren.
Somewhere at Takhli we most likely sweat along side each other, ate together,
partied together, tried to sleep through the daily launch, and did our best to
help each other survive in a place strange to all of us. Since they are no
longer able to tell their tales or share their photos of Takhli themselves, it
is up to us to carry on for them, so in memory of them.....

Maj James Howerton - From His Son, Jim

Jim & his trusty steed -
Mona B

Another of Jim launching on a mission
in Mona B

SSgt Raymond Daubendiek - From His Friend, Frank
Venters

Ray and Frank met at Travis AFB, CA,
flew over to Thailand and served their entire year together at
Takhli. Ray kept their short-timers calendar up to date, then they
traveled back to the US together. While at Takhli in Jan 1966, Ray
was on Frank's crew when an F-105 crashed. The low-order 750lb GPB
bomb under the left wing detonated, Ray was on the crash truck and Frank
on ramp patrol. Both were spared on this
occasion.

Ironically,
however, Ray was involved in a similar incident described above at Korat
on May 17, 1972. This time Ray, Sgt James Lathon, and four other
brave Thai firefighters lost their lives. The difference this time -
the ordnance was an AGM-45 missle.

Although Ray died
at Korat RTAFB, Thailand, he served alongside us at Takhli. May he
and those who died with him rest in
peace.

Major General John C. Giraudo
(then Colonel) - From One of His Troops, Bob Vaughn

My Wing Commander. A true
leader of men, working with him in the Tactical Operations Center
was a great
privilege.